Press release 13th January 2026

IT’S THE SKIRI TROPHY WEEK
TRACKS AND ENTERTAINMENT READY TO GO

The Skiri Trophy XCountry returns to Passo Lavazè this weekend
Courses completed and ready to entertain the U10 to U16 categories
Registration closed with 1,200 participants from nine countries, including Andorra
GS Castello di Fiemme prepared a packed programme, including Revival and combined events

The Skiri Trophy XCountry is getting into full swing. The week that will bring together the future champions of cross-country skiing from Italy and around the world has finally begun. They are ready to flood the tracks of Passo Lavazè on the weekend of January 17 and 18.
Now that registration is closed, 1,200 young athletes are ready to put on a show, combining passion and fun at an altitude of around 1,800 metres, where the race courses for the four categories (U10, U12, U14 and U16) have been meticulously prepared and completed. Following a last-minute confirmation, the number of nations at the start has risen to nine. In addition to Italy, there is a large foreign contingent, including the new entry of Andorra, which joins Austria, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden.
The recently revised race courses of the Centro Fondo of Passo Lavazè are situated in an open, sunny area, with a stunning view of the Latemar, Catinaccio and the most beautiful mountains in South Tyrol.
For the youngest (Baby U10), the 1,3 km course is also the most simplified one, thanks to its wide and flat track. For the Cuccioli category (U12), the race length doubles, reaching 2,7 km, with longer straights and a more technical section. Both the “Baby” and “Cuccioli” categories will be the stars of the show on Saturday 17th, taking to the track at 2 pm, while on Sunday 18th at 9.30 am it will be the turn of the last two categories, “Ragazzi” and “Allievi”.
The course for the Ragazze (U14 Women) category is 3.2 km long, while the course for Ragazzi (U14 Men) is 4.25 km long. Both are not only longer, involving the Malga Varena’s track where the breathtaking landscape of Corno Bianco and Corno Nero stands out, but also more challenging with steeper climbs and descents, and therefore more technically demanding. Lastly, the most demanding course is the one for the Allievi category, which, with its 5.5 km in length, offers the greatest challenge, with a final stretch of just under 100 m uphill that could lead to some exciting head-to-head battles.
The relentless work of the organiser, GS Castello di Fiemme, continues with the Opening Ceremony show in Castello di Fiemme, among the many side events scheduled for Saturday at 5.30 pm. Throughout the weekend, Castello will also host the ice sculpture created from the design by Massimiliano Mosca and Silas Prinoth, winners of the art competition reserved for local students.
The committee is also proposing again the combined rankings and the Skiri Trophy Revival, the classic technique competition dedicated to former Skiri Trophy participants over the age of 16, who will be put to the test on the 4,2 km track on Saturday, January 17, at 3.30 pm. 
Passion, entertainment, young people and sport: this combination, together with a special venue, promises a weekend full of excitement and unforgettable days for the cross-country skiers of the future. Among the many names present, numerous winners from last year's edition are returning, such as Paola Jakovac from Croatia, winner in the Baby category, Brina Juršič from Slovenia, 1st in the Cuccioli category, as well as Zaccaria Bracchi and Anna Profanter, winners in the Ragazzi category, and Elena Carletto in the Allieve category. But the parterre also shines with many other young people who have distinguished themselves nationally, such as Martino Folchi, last year's winner of the Italian U16 Cup, Thomas Gaole, who finished on the podium in the Italian U14 Championships in 2024, Alice Ballario, gold medallist in the Italian Biathlon Championships in 2023, and many others ready to compete, but with the sole and fundamental goal of having fun together. The Skiri Trophy XCountry event will be broadcast on RaiSport with a 30-minute summary of the two days of competition.

Info: www.skiritrophy.com